Method and apparatus for heating and cooling a motorcycle seat

ABSTRACT

A Method and Apparatus for Heating and Cooling a Motorcycle Seat have been disclosed. In one implementation a plurality of heating and cooling elements are used to affect heating and cooling a motorcycle seat.

RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims priority of pending U.S. application Ser.No. 15/913,886 filed Mar. 6, 2018 titled “Method and Apparatus forHeating and Cooling a Motorcycle Seat”, which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference, and which claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 62/467,612 filed Mar. 6, 2017 titled “Method andApparatus for Heating and Cooling a Motorcycle Seat”, which is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to heating and cooling a seat. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to Method and Apparatus forHeating and Cooling a Motorcycle Seat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Heating and particularly cooling a seat can be a challenge—particularlyso when the seat is subject to, among other things, external forces anda varying load both physically and thermally and the heating and coolingsystem must be both compact and robust.

This presents a technical problem for which a technical solution using atechnical means is needed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in thefigures of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment showing a Corbin raw seat shape.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment showing a closer view of front seatingposition.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment showing a closer view of the rearseating position.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment showing a view of the front seatingarea looking towards the front of the seat.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment showing a view of the rear seatingarea looking towards the front of the seat.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment showing bottom view of a combinationheating/cooling pad (combo pad) before installation.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment showing a top view of the combo padbefore installation.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment showing one embodiment of acombination heating/cooling pad installed in the front seating position.

FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment showing one embodiment of acombination heating/cooling pad installed in a rear seating position.

FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment showing an overview of a saddle withtwo heating/cooling pads installed.

FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment showing a view of air exhaust portsat the front of the seat (also called a saddle).

FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment showing a closer view of an airexhaust port.

FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment showing an underside of a seatshowing electrical wires ready for connection.

FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment showing a view of the combinationheating/cooling pad and showing one embodiment showing the orientationof the air channels.

FIG. 15 illustrates one embodiment showing installing a combo pad(heating/cooling pad) also denoted heating/cooling element (HCE).

FIG. 16 illustrates one embodiment showing passing wiring through builtin wire channels.

FIG. 17 illustrates one embodiment showing a control switch is locatedin a side of the seat.

FIG. 18 illustrates one embodiment showing fans installed on the seatbase to push air through the air channels built into the seat andcombination pads (HCEs).

FIG. 19 illustrates one embodiment showing all components of the heatingand cooling system are self-contained on or in the seat.

FIG. 20 illustrates one embodiment showing wiring and components inplace, and ducting added.

FIG. 21 illustrates one embodiment showing a view of air exhaust portsat the front of the seat.

FIG. 22 illustrates one embodiment showing a view of air exhaust portsat the rear of the seat.

FIG. 23 illustrates one embodiment showing cooling fans installed andwired to a switch.

FIG. 24 illustrates one embodiment showing a completed seat which arider(s) sits on and the HCE's conform to the rider(s).

FIG. 25 illustrates one embodiment showing a seat having a weather proofquick connector.

FIG. 26 illustrates one embodiment showing a schematic diagram. Here 2HCEs are in series controlled by a thermostat.

FIG. 27 illustrates one embodiment showing a schematic diagram whereHCEs are in series.

FIG. 28 illustrates one embodiment showing a schematic for a 2 HCEsystem with a separate control for one of the HCE's.

FIG. 29 illustrates one embodiment showing a closeup of a 3 positioncontrol switch.

FIG. 30 illustrates one embodiment showing a physical and thermal stackup.

FIG. 31 illustrates one embodiment showing a control system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While embodiments of the invention are illustrated for a motorcycleseat, the invention is not so limited and the techniques disclosed canbe applied to other seats, for example, but not limited to seats forairplanes, boats, trains, busses, etc.

In one embodiment the techniques support a heating and cooling apparatusthat can be sculptured to fit an individual rider sitting on the seat.

Since the heating and cooling seat can in one mode of operation provideheat and in another mode of operation provide cooling this seat may bereferred to at times as fireice.

In one embodiment neither the heating mode of operation nor the coolingmode of operation is in effect but rather a third mode of operation isin effect, that of forcibly circulating ambient air.

As used in this description “Corbin” or similar terms refers to a brandof seats made by Corbin-Pacific Inc. headquartered at 2360 TechnologyParkway, Hollister, Calif. 95023 USA. Website: http://corbin.com/

In one embodiment the switch unit incorporates a 3 position switch—oneposition for off, another position for heating, and another position forcooling.

In one embodiment the switch unit incorporates a 4 position switch—oneposition for off, another position for heating, another position forcooling, and another position for fan(s) on (e.g. forced circulation ofambient air).

In one embodiment the switch unit or controller unit is remotelycontrolled, by, for example, Bluetooth or a smart phone.

In one embodiment the switch unit or controller unit is remotelycontrolled, by, for example, a smart phone that can set mode ofoperation, timing, and remote temperature readings.

For example, in one embodiment a smart phone application can sense theseat temperature and be programmed to heat or cool the seat to a desiredtemperature on desired days. In one embodiment the application can alsoalert a user about an unauthorized body on the seat by, for example,sensing an increase in temperature within a given time period (e.g.temperature rate increase).

In one embodiment of the invention a single heating/cooling element(HCE) is used in the seat.

The HCE can also be considered to be part of a thermal engine.

In one embodiment of the invention two or more heating/cooling elements(HCEs) may be used in a seat. In one embodiment the HCEs may be operatedindependently of each other. For example, in an embodiment with 2 HCEsTable 1 below shows the possible modes of operation.

TABLE 1 Heating/Cooling Element #1 Heating/Cooling Element #2 (HCE #1)(HCE #2) OFF OFF OFF ON - Heating or Cooling ON - Heating or Cooling OFFON - Heating or Cooling ON - Heating or Cooling

In one embodiment one or more HCEs may be wired in parallel or series orseries-parallel, or parallel-series or any such combination and may beoperated in heating mode or cooling mode or off mode independently ofeach other. That is, for example, in a series mode having 2 HCEs inseries, HCE #1 may be in cooling mode and HCE #2 in a heating mode. OrHCE #2 may be off by simply bypassing (shorting around) HCE #2. Allother combinations are also possible, taking care of course to not shortout the power supply.

The HCE may be in one embodiment a thermoelectric device. Such athermoelectric device can generate electricity, measure temperature, andheat or cool at a junction. The heating or cooling a junction iscontrolled by the polarity of the applied voltage. That is reversing avoltage (V) will change the direction of a direct current (DC) flowinginto the junction and change the mode of operation from heating tocooling or vice versa (cooling to heating).

In one embodiment the heating and cooling element may be separatemechanisms. For example, cooling may be effected by a thermoelectricdevice and heating by an electrically resistive element, for example,nichrome.

In one embodiment one or more fans may be operated independently of eachother or in conjunction with each other. In one embodiment theactivation of a fan for on or off or speed control may be effected byconditions at a HCE.

In one embodiment one or more HCEs may be controlled by a device, suchas, but not limited to a thermostat, over temperature switch, etc.

The motorcycle seat is also known as a saddle. The saddle is referred toat times as the Corbin “Fire & Ice” saddle, or fireice. The heating andcooling pad is also known as the HCE and the combination heating andcooling pad, a combination heating/cooling pad (combo pad), or similarterms.

In one embodiment one or more fans suck air from underneath a seat andforce it past one or more HCEs to provide circulation.

FIG. 1 illustrates, generally at 100, one embodiment showing a Corbinraw seat shape. Note the void areas inset front 102 and back 104 toaccept the combination heating and cooling pad.

FIG. 2 illustrates, generally at 200, one embodiment showing a closerview of front seating position 202. Note the air intake port 204 at theback area.

FIG. 3 illustrates, generally at 300, one embodiment showing a closerview of the rear seating position 302. An air intake port is on the leftat 304, and two air exhaust ports are on the right at 306.

FIG. 4 illustrates, generally at 400, one embodiment showing a view ofthe front seating area 402 looking towards the front of the seat 404. Anair intake port is visible at the lower right of the frame at 406. Twoair exhaust ports can be seen at the top at 408.

FIG. 5 illustrates, generally at 500, one embodiment showing a view ofthe rear seating area 502 looking towards the front of the seat 504. Anair intake port is at the top at 506, and two air exhaust ports 508 areat the bottom.

FIG. 6 illustrates, generally at 600, one embodiment showing acombination heating/cooling pad (combo pad) 602 before installation.Shown is a bottom view. Note flexible channels 604 for forced air totravel across the pad area cooling off the conductors (example at 606).Note also the positive 608 and negative 610 electrical connections.While FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment showing of conductors 606 whichare multi-stranded, the invention is not so limited and a loop ribbon orsimilar structure may be used.

FIG. 7 illustrates, generally at 700, one embodiment showing a top viewof the combo pad 702 before installation. Braided conductors (example at704) can be seen spread out to evenly disperse the contact area. WhileFIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment showing of conductors 704 which aremulti-stranded, the invention is not so limited and a flat flexiblestrip or ribbon or similar structure may be used.

FIG. 8 illustrates, generally at 800, one embodiment showing acombination heating/cooling pad 802 installed in the front seatingposition 804 (dashed line).

FIG. 9 illustrates, generally at 900, one embodiment showing acombination heating/cooling pad 902 installed in a rear seating position904 (dashed line).

FIG. 10 illustrates, generally at 1000, one embodiment showing anoverview of a saddle 1002 with two heating/cooling pads installed 1004.Note that the electrical wiring passes through the seat to be wired onthe bottom (not denoted). In one embodiment the saddle 1002 hasflexibility to conform to a rider's shape when the rider is seated onthe saddle.

FIG. 11 illustrates, generally at 1100, one embodiment showing a view ofair exhaust ports 1102 at the front of the seat 1104. You can see wherecooling air passes through the channels 1106 of the combo heating andcooling pad.

FIG. 12 illustrates, generally at 1200, one embodiment showing a closerview of an air exhaust port 1202 (dashed lines).

FIG. 13 illustrates, generally at 1300, one embodiment showing anunderside of a seat showing electrical wires ready for connection. Notehow they pass to the underside of the seat. At 1302 is a rigid base.

FIG. 14 illustrates, generally at 1400, one embodiment showing a view ofthe combination heating/cooling pad 1402 showing the orientation of theair channels, for example as denoted at 1404. These air channels areflexible in that they can flex with the saddle 1406 flexing.

FIG. 15 illustrates, generally at 1500, one embodiment showinginstalling a combo pad (HCE) 1502.

FIG. 16 illustrates, generally at 1600, one embodiment showing passingwiring 1602 through built in wire channels (not visible but below hand1604).

FIG. 17 illustrates, generally at 1700, one embodiment showing a controlswitch is located in a side of the seat. In this embodiment the switch1702 has three positions: Cool, Off, and Heat. At 1704 is a rigid base.

FIG. 18 illustrates, generally at 1800, one embodiment showing fans 1802are installed on the seat base 1804 to push air through the air channelsbuilt into the seat and combination pads (HCEs). The air flow cools theconductors thereby making the surface of the pad feel cool to a rider.At 1806 is a rigid base.

FIG. 19 illustrates, generally at 1900, one embodiment showing allcomponents of the heating and cooling system are self contained on or inthe seat. In this embodiment one needs to only supply 12 VDC power forthe system to function. At 1902 are wires to the 12 VDC power supply. Inone embodiment the 12 VDC is a battery. At 1904 is a rigid base.

FIG. 20 illustrates, generally at 2000, one embodiment showing that onceall wiring and components are in place, ducting 2002 is added and theairways are sealed for maximum air flow through the seat 2004 (notthrough the seat cover material).

FIG. 21 illustrates, generally at 2100, one embodiment showing afinished view of the air exhaust ports 2102 (dashed white rectangles) atthe front of the seat.

FIG. 22 illustrates, generally at 2200, one embodiment showing afinished view of the air exhaust ports 2202 (white dashed rectangles) atthe rear of the seat 2204.

FIG. 23 illustrates, generally at 2300, one embodiment showing coolingfans installed 2302, wired to a switch 2304, ducted and sealed (forexample at 2306).

FIG. 24 illustrates, generally at 2400, one embodiment showing acompleted seat 2402. 100% self-contained, just add power. At 2404 is acontrol switch.

FIG. 25 illustrates, generally at 2500, one embodiment showing a benchtop 12 VDC power supply (not visible) connected via cable 2502 forquality control testing. Note the weatherproof quick connector 2504used.

FIG. 26 illustrates, generally at 2600, one embodiment showing aschematic diagram. Here 2 HCEs are in series controlled by a thermostat.2 fans are in parallel. The DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw) Center Offswitch controls the direction of current flow into the HCEs.

FIG. 27 illustrates, generally at 2700, one embodiment showing aschematic diagram. Here 2 HCEs are in series. The 2 fans are in paralleland the fans can be DC fans as +12V and ground (GND—the negativeterminal of the 12V supply also called −12V) are supplied to them. A3PDT Center Off switch is used to control the voltage polarity to theHCEs and power to the fans.

In one embodiment a diode bridge may be attached to the reversingvoltage to provide a DC voltage to DC fans.

FIG. 28 illustrates, generally at 2800, one embodiment showing aschematic for a 2 HCE system. In this embodiment HCE #1 and HCE #2 areoperated in parallel when the SPST switch is closed. This embodimentallows the HCE #2 and the DC Fan #2 combination to be selectively turnedon/off when HCE #1 and Fan #1 are powered on. In this way, for example,if HCE #1 is for the front of a seat and HCE #2 is for a back of a seat,a user may decide HCE #2 is not needed and can turn it and Fan #2 off.In this embodiment is shown a Fuse in line with HCE #1. Also shown arefull wave diode bridges so that DC fans can be utilized.

FIG. 29 illustrates, generally at 2900, one embodiment showing a closeupof a completed seat 2902 showing at 2904 a 3 position control switch.

FIG. 30 illustrates, generally at 3000, one embodiment showing aphysical and thermal stack up. At 3002 is a flexible thermal target. Theflexible thermal target in one embodiment is a rider of the motorcycle.At 3004 is a flexible thermal target barrier. In one embodiment theflexible thermal target barrier is a non-porous outer covering of amotorcycle seat. At 3006 is a flexible thermal engine. The flexiblethermal engine can consist of one or more flexible thermal engines. Theflexible thermal engine can have one or more flexible thermal channels.In one embodiment the flexible thermal channels are flexible airchannels. In one embodiment the flexible thermal channels contain aliquid or liquid/gas combination. At 3008 is a rigid thermal transferengine. Rigid meaning substantially firmer and inflexible compared tothe flexible members in the embodiment (e.g. 3004, 3006). At 3010 is arigid base. At 3012 is a rigid vehicle, for example the frame of amotorcycle. At 3030 is a stack up of 3004 and 3006. At 3040 is a stackup of 3008. At 3050 is a stack up of 3030 and 3040. In one embodiment3050 is a thermal transfer unit. In one embodiment the interface between3030 and 3040 has flexible mechanical and electrical connections. θ_(c)denotes thermal resistance (impedance) to convective heat transfer,θ_(k) denotes thermal resistance (impedance) to conductive heattransfer, and θ_(r) denotes thermal resistance (impedance) to radiativeheat transfer. In one embodiment for stack up 3040 θ_(c)<θ_(r). In oneembodiment for stack up 3040 θ_(c)<θ_(r) and θ_(c)<θ_(k). In oneembodiment for stack up 3040 θ_(c)<θ_(r) and θ_(c)<θ_(k). In oneembodiment for stack up 3030 θ_(k)<θ_(r) and θ_(k)<θ_(c). In oneembodiment for stack up 3030 θ_(k)<θ_(r)<θ_(c). In one embodiment 3008can be an air transformer, such as but not limited to one or more, fans,peristaltic pump, ambient airflow, etc. or a combination of these andothers. In one embodiment the flexible thermal engine has two sides andcan present a cooler side to either 3004 or 3008.

FIG. 31 illustrates, generally at 3100, one embodiment showing a controlsystem. At 3102 is a thermal transfer unit. The thermal transfer unitmay be in thermal communication with a rider of a motorcycle. At 3104 isthermal transfer control unit having an output 3105 controlling thethermal transfer unit. The 3104 thermal transfer control unit receivesinputs from 3106, for example, a user or a local input. The 3104 thermaltransfer control unit can also receive inputs from 3107, for example, aremote input. The 3104 thermal transfer control unit also receivesinputs from 3108 which comes from sensing unit 3110. Thermal transferunit 3102 provides inputs 3103 to sensing unit 3110. Sensing unit 3110also provide outputs 3112. Outputs 3112 can be for remote detection, canbe an interface to a wireless unit, or a cell phone interface.

Thus Method and Apparatus for Heating and Cooling a Motorcycle Seat hasbeen described.

Because of the thermal embodiments the present invention requiresspecialized hardware, for example, but not limited to, separate flexiblechannels for thermal conductivity.

As used in this description, “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” orsimilar phrases means that the feature(s) being described are includedin at least one embodiment of the invention. References to “oneembodiment” in this description do not necessarily refer to the sameembodiment; however, neither are such embodiments mutually exclusive.Nor does “one embodiment” imply that there is but a single embodiment ofthe invention. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in“one embodiment” may also be included in other embodiments. Thus, theinvention may include a variety of combinations and/or integrations ofthe embodiments described herein.

As used in this description, “substantially” or “substantially equal” orsimilar phrases are used to indicate that the items are very close orsimilar. Since two physical entities can never be exactly equal, aphrase such as “substantially equal” is used to indicate that they arefor all practical purposes equal.

It is to be understood that in any one or more embodiments of theinvention where alternative approaches or techniques are discussed thatany and all such combinations as may be possible are hereby disclosed.For example, if there are five techniques discussed that are allpossible, then denoting each technique as follows: A, B, C, D, E, eachtechnique may be either present or not present with every othertechnique, thus yielding 2{circumflex over ( )}5 or 32 combinations, inbinary order ranging from not A and not B and not C and not D and not Eto A and B and C and D and E. Applicant(s) hereby claims all suchpossible combinations. Applicant(s) hereby submit that the foregoingcombinations comply with applicable EP (European Patent) standards. Nopreference is given any combination.

Thus a Method and Apparatus for Heating and Cooling a Motorcycle Seathave been described.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for heating or cooling a motorcycleseat comprising: a flexible outer non-porous cover over at least aportion of the motorcycle seat where one or more riders of a motorcyclehaving the motorcycle seat can sit; the flexible outer non-porous coverin mechanical thermal contact with a flexible thermal engine; theflexible thermal engine in mechanical thermal contact with a rigidthermal transfer engine; the rigid thermal transfer engine mechanicallyattached to a rigid base; and the rigid base mechanically attached to aframe of the motorcycle.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein theflexible outer non-porous cover and flexible thermal engine conform tothe one or more riders of the motorcycle.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1further including a control for turning off the flexible thermal engine.4. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a control for turning onthe flexible thermal engine such that it produces a cooling of theflexible outer non-porous cover.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 furtherincluding a control for turning on the flexible thermal engine such thatit produces a heating of the flexible outer non-porous cover.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 4 wherein the control is a three position switch. 7.The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the three position switch is mountedthrough the flexible outer non-porous on a side of the motorcycle seat.8. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a control system forcontrolling cooling or heating of the motorcycle seat, the controlsystem comprising: a thermal transfer unit having a thermal output, aninput, and an output; a sensing unit having an input, and a firstoutput, the input in communication with the thermal transfer unitoutput; and a thermal transfer control unit having a first input, and anoutput, the thermal transfer control unit output in communication withthe thermal transfer unit input.
 9. The control system of claim 8wherein the sensing unit has a second output, the second output forremote detection of conditions at the thermal transfer unit.
 10. Thecontrol system of claim 8 wherein the thermal transfer control unit hasa second input, the second input for receiving user or local input. 11.The control system of claim 10 wherein the thermal transfer control unithas a third input, the third input for receiving remote input.
 12. Thecontrol system of claim 8 wherein the sensing unit can sense the thermaltransfer unit thermal output.
 13. The control system of claim 11 whereinreceiving the remote input is receiving from a wireless source.